Are you craving a comforting, flavour-packed meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This recipe recreates the magic of Jamie Oliver's beloved Bolognese sauce, a dish that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget jarred sauces – this homemade version is bursting with fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavour. It's one of those easy recipes that always impresses, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
This recipe provides enough for 4-6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500g minced beef (or a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavour)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 (700ml) can of chopped tomatoes
- 200ml red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavour)
- 150ml beef stock
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This is a crucial step in developing the deep flavour of your Bolognese sauce.
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Brown the meat: Add the minced beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. This helps to release the flavour of the meat and renders the fat.
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Add aromatics and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Deglaze the pan (optional): If using red wine, pour it into the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds a lovely complexity to the sauce.
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Simmer the sauce: Add the canned tomatoes, beef stock, and tomato purée. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5-2 hours, or even longer for a richer flavour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavours will meld together, creating a truly delicious Bolognese.
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Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavours have deepened, serve it over your favourite pasta, such as spaghetti, tagliatelle, or penne. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Bolognese:
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavour of your Bolognese sauce will depend heavily on the quality of your ingredients. Choose fresh, high-quality vegetables and meat.
- Don't rush the simmering process: The longer the sauce simmers, the better it will taste. Allow at least 1.5 hours for the flavours to develop fully.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Taste the sauce frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, herbs, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: For an earthier flavour, add 200g of sliced mushrooms along with the carrots and celery.
- Vegetarian Bolognese: Substitute the minced beef with 200g of lentils or 250g of crumbled firm tofu for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Bolognese: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used and serving size. Use a nutritional calculator for more precise information based on your specific recipe. However, generally, Bolognese is a good source of protein and contains various vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
This easy recipe provides a delicious and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy your homemade Bolognese sauce!